What is the role of the Crown Prosecution Service?

What is the role of the Crown Prosecution Service?

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecutes criminal cases that have been investigated by the police and other investigative organisations in England and Wales. The CPS is independent, and we make our decisions independently of the police and government.

Why was the Crown Prosecution Service created?

Formation of the CPS The CPS was established in part to provide a counterbalance to increased police powers under the Police Powers and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and brought England and Wales in line with Scotland (which has an independent procurator fiscal) in having an independent prosecution service.

When did the CPS become independent?

1986
Crown Prosecution Service/Founded

How long does it take for the Crown Prosecution Service to make a decision?

The CPS will, wherever possible, complete the review and communicate the decision to the victim within an overall review timeframe of 30 working days. In cases where it is not possible to provide a VRR decision within the usual timeframes, for example in more complex cases, the CPS will notify the victim accordingly.

Do all cases go to CPS?

The CPS considers all cases in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, which sets out the principles the CPS will apply when making decisions about whether or not to prosecute.

What happens if CPS decide not to prosecute?

If it is decided that the decision not to prosecute was wrong, a prosecution will then be started if possible, but there are a number of legal reasons why it might not be possible. Where the view is reached that the decision not to prosecute was correct, this can lead to a separate independent review.

Can police charge without CPS?

Can the police charge without the CPS? The police are permitted to make charging decisions without input from the CPS in less serious cases.

How does prosecution work in UK?

Do the CPS always prosecute?

A prosecution will usually take place however, unless there are public interest factors tending against prosecution which clearly outweigh those tending in favour. The CPS will only start or continue a prosecution if a case has passed both stages.

Can the CPS charge without evidence?

The standard of evidence needed in order for the CPS or police to make a charging decision is set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors. The prosecutor must be satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction against each suspect on each charge.

Can the CPS drop charges before court?

In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for you to accept a lesser charge, avoiding the need for a trial. But, as you might expect, the CPS are not likely to drop charges unless they have a compelling reason to do so.

What crimes go to Crown Court?

Cases handled by a crown court include:

• Indictable-only offences. These are serious criminal offences such as murder, manslaughter, rape and robbery.
• Either-way offences transferred from the magistrates court.
• Appeals from the magistrates court.
• Sentencing decisions transferred from the magistrates court.

What is the Bribery Act 2010 and how does it work?

The Bribery Act 2010, which came into force on 1 July 2011, provides a framework to combat bribery in the public and private sectors. As Scotland’s prosecution service, COPFS receives reports from the police and other reporting agencies in relation to alleged offences of bribery and corruption.

What does the Crown Prosecution Service do?

The Crown Prosecution Service also prosecutes bribery offences investigated by the police, committed either overseas or in England and Wales.

When did bribery and corruption come into force in Scotland?

Bribery and corruption The Bribery Act 2010, which came into force on 1 July 2011, provides a framework to combat bribery in the public and private sectors. As Scotland’s prosecution service, COPFS receives reports from the police and other reporting agencies in relation to alleged offences of bribery and corruption.

What is the UK government doing to combat bribery?

The Act reflects the UK’s continued commitment to combat bribery and provides a modern, comprehensive scheme of bribery offences. The Act covers all forms of bribery but there is a clear focus on commercial bribery, evidenced by the fact that two of its four offences are business related.